Wild Horses of Assateague & ChincoteagueAssateague Island State Park and National Seashore

This brochure is designed to answer the most commonly asked questions about Assateague's wild horses, which are more often called "ponies" by an adoring public!

ARE THEY TRULY WILD? " Since they take care of themselves in all seasons without help from people. The ponies are considered wild animals. The term "feral" is also applied to the ponies, meaning they are descendants of domestic animals that have reverted to a wild state.

THEN ARE THEY DANGEROUS?" Any wild animal can be dangerous and the ponies are no exception. They appear tame and gentle but may become aggressive very quickly. Each year several visitors are bitten or kicked by "tame" ponies. Feeding the ponies and any other wildlife is unhealthy for the animals, dangerous for the visitors and strictly prohibited. Some ponies become "beggars" with prolonged feeding and at least one each year is killed by a car while seeking a handout. Enjoy the ponies from a distance.